Menu

Freetown

Posted on 16 November 2015

If you’re in the mood for a faith-promoting movie, based on dramatic historical events, give Freetown a try. Freetown is a stirring true story of six LDS missionaries, who had to escape their homeland to preserve their lives and continue their service. Director Garrett Batty (The Saratov Approach) offers an authentic portrayal of the strife, challenges, and triumphs of these missionaries and their leader through numerous physical, psychological, and spiritual obstacles. The result is an inspirational story from which we can draw strength as we face our own life challenges.

In 1989, Liberia was in a state of brutal civil war–a conflict that would eventually claim the lives of over 260,000 Liberians. Even today, the country is rife with evidence of the war and the effect it had on the people. Tanner, recently returned LDS missionary, describes bullet holes and shell casings in the buildings where he labored. The violence started when rebel factions took up arms against the local tribes, particularly the ruling Krahn tribe. When the conflict elevated to threaten the lives of all who stood in the way of fighting, many sought to escape the war torn region. It is in this setting that Freetown takes place.

Freetown follows the stories of six native missionaries serving in Monrovia when the Liberian civil war breaks out. Their mission president is evacuated and advises them to do whatever they can do to stay safe, even if it means casting off their missionary role to blend in with their people. To Marcus Menti, one of the elders involved in the crisis, this was unacceptable. In an interview with the Deseret News, he said this of their plight: “We couldn’t teach, and the big, blaring option before us was to take off our attire, not be missionaries, not teach. I thought, ‘This can’t be the end. This can’t be the picture.” The other option was to escape, so with the help of his local mission leader, Brother Abubakar, and five other missionaries, he makes his way to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Along the way, the group faces life-threatening dangers, most significantly from a rebel leader who pursues them with homicidal intent. Central to the movie’s storyline is the mission leader’s own test of faith amidst these life-threatening trials. What he finds is a God of miracles.

Director Garrett Batty felt inspired by the story of Freetown and found a parallel between the experiences of these missionaries and the missionaries portrayed in The Saratov Approach, which he also directed. When he read the script for Freetown he felt “a really potent, tangible-feeling emotion”. He knew there was something special.As in The Saratov Approach, the missionaries meet their challenges with faith. And when faced with violence they counter with non-violence. They share a message of peace and redemption to those who would inflict harm. The parallels are particularly significant because both stories are true. They invite the viewers to examine parallels in their own lives, where faith overcomes obstacles.

Freetown was well received by critics and audiences. Josh Terry of the Deseret News gave it 3 ½ stars, calling it a great success for Director Batty and a powerful film well-produced with limited means. Menti also praised the film for being a true portrayal of what he and his companions faced. He said, “I have been to three screenings, and the third time was the first time I was able to make it through the whole movie without breaking down. Maybe this is my own therapeutic journey.”

Archives

Latest articles

Actor/ Director/ Sam Hennings has worked in the film industry for more than 30 years, taking many roles in movies and in TV series. Hennings was born on December 17th, 1950 in Macon, Georgia and has lived mostly in Los Angeles, San...

Thanks to your support, Excel Entertainment has been able to release several great movies over the years. Last year, Just Let Go was released to acclaim by audiences and critics alike. Chris Williams’ inspiring true story translated well...

Have you ever been so attached to an actor and his or her work that you want them to be a good person too? We naturally want to look up to people we idolize or look up to, especially if we aspire to achieve what they have achieved....

You know that creating a top ten list about anything is probably asking for trouble; no matter what you put on the list, someone is going to disagree. I think this would be especially the case with this topic. There are a great many...

It’s almost time again for Utah’s premiere film festival in Park City. The 2016 Sundance Film Festival will be held January 21st through January 31st, with independent film screenings in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden. Tickets are...

EARLY ENTRY DEADLINE IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 14
Save on the entry fee by submitting your film by Monday, December 14. The extended submission deadline is January 11, 2016. Submit your work to the 15th Annual LDS Film Festival 2016 and win cash...

If you’re in the mood for a faith-promoting movie, based on dramatic historical events, give Freetown a try. Freetown is a stirring true story of six LDS missionaries, who had to escape their homeland to preserve their lives and...

Are you looking to raise some funds for your soccer club? Why not share an award-winning movie to inspire kids with what soccer is really all about, while motivating friends, family, and neighbors to support your program? The Believe...

“If Michael Buble and Joni Mitchell had a love child raised by Jimi Hendrix and babysat by Norah Jones, that child would be Ryan Innes… His is a talent you hear once in a few lifetimes. His music makes you want to love harder, hurt...

We invite and encourage all LDS and Utah filmmakers to participate in the 15th Annual LDS Film Festival 2016 and submit their work to the festival. The festival offers around $3,000 in cash awards and a perfect venue to premiere your film...

Latter-Day Saint Bishop, Chris Williams, experienced a horrendous tragedy in February 2007. After leaving an evening basketball game with his family, a 17-year-old slammed his vehicle into their Passat. William’ son, daughter and 5-month...

Dozens of LDS films have been released over the years, starting with Brigham Young in 1940 up to The Cokeville Miracle in 2015. A fairly comprehensive list can be found on the LDS Cinema page on Wikipedia, which can be found here:...